The Bedford Buccaneer
September 27, 2021
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, September 27 - Senior Parent/Guardian Night(Virtual) at 6:30pm
Wednesday, September 29 - 5:00 PM HOS Addiction and Depression Webinar
Thursday, September 30 - Back to School Night 7-8:00 pm Updated: Now a virtual event
Friday, October 1 - October 16 PSAT Registration Deadline
October 8th - Senior Class Photo will be taken on the football field during Flex
Friday, October 8 - Seniors Yearbook Baby, Elementary photos & Senior "Thanks" due
Friday, October 8 - Last day to sign up for AMC 10/12 B Math Exam
Monday, October 11 - Indigenous Peoples Day (No School)
Thursday, October 14- Free Well Balanced Student Webinar 7:00pm – 8:15pm
Saturday, October 16 - PSAT 7:45 at BHS (Must be registered by 10/1 please see below)
Friday, October 22 - Picture retake day
Friday, October 22 - Yearbook Senior Portraits due
Thursday, November 11 - Veterans Day (No School)
Tuesday, November 16 - AMC 10/12 B Math Exam
Wednesday, November 24 - School closed at 12:40pm early dismissal
Thursday - Friday, November 24 -25 - Thanksgiving Break
Friday - Friday, December 24 -31 Vacation
Thursday, June 2, 2022 - Graduation at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell at 6:15pm
Dear BHS Community,
We are off to a great start this school year. The administrative team is looking forward to meeting with all parents and caregivers on Thursday night. Students already had a beginning of the year presentation but are welcome to watch the webinar as well.
As part of the webinar, we will provide a general overview of the high school, share our support services and highlight the vision and School Improvement Plan for the year. In an effort to ensure that questions you have are answered, please consider filling out this form in advance of our meeting.
As a reminder, all of our faculty members are recording videos for your viewing following the webinar. You can learn about the teachers and counselors of your student(s) through these 3-5 minute recordings. These were well received last year. We would have enjoyed seeing all of you in person. However, the webinar and videos did prove helpful.
The webinar link for Back to School Night is below. Looking forward to hosting the meeting on Thursday, September 30 @ 7:00 PM.
Sincerely,
Heather Galante, Tom Casey & Dan Hudder
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Sep 30, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Back to School Night
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://bedfordps-org.zoom.us/j/84216961588?pwd=TDc0R09PVmN2Z0tGeEVKa3ozSG54dz09
Passcode: 726584
Counseling Corner
For all things Post-Secondary related, please visit the
BHS Counseling Department’s Post-Secondary website.
TONIGHT!!! - Senior Parent/Guardian Night(Virtual) - Monday, September 27th at 6:30pm
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Sep 27, 2021 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Senior Caregiver Night 2021
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://bedfordps-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qLb7za0QSbaC73M2NvhTNA
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Senior Seminar: Transcript and Common Application Review
Date: Tuesday, October 5th
When: during Flex (10:22AM - 11:32AM)
Where: Auditorium
Seniors will get a copy of their transcript and GPA that will eventually be forwarded to post-secondary schools/programs. In addition, the Common App Guide will be distributed. Students should plan to attend for about 15 - 20 minutes and then can either return to Flex block or stay to ask questions about the Common App.
PSAT for Sophomores and Juniors
Date: Saturday, October 16, 2021
Time: Arrive at BHS by 7:45am
Cost: $30.00 - Check or Money Order made out to BHS (Put your student's name in the memo section) Please reach out to your student’s school counselor for a financial waiver, if needed.
Registration Deadline: Friday, October 1, 2021
??Questions?? Contact Brian DeChellis at brian_dechellis@bedfordps.org
Scheduling an Appointment with your School Counselor
Our School Counselors are available to students throughout the school day. They can schedule appointments at the following links:
Job Board
Looking for a job? Check out the job board behind Mrs. Tobe’s desk in the Counseling Suite
Need a student parking sticker?
Safe Homes Directory
As the first month of school winds down, Bedford Youth and Families Department would like to remind the community that the Safe Homes Directory will be sent out at the beginning of October. If you would like to add your name to the list, please do so by October 1st. If you made the pledge last year, your name will remain in the directory unless you request that it be removed.
For more information or to sign up, please click the Safe Homes link or contact Mackenzie Comeau our Town Youth Social Worker at mcomeau@bedfordma.gov or (781)-918-4331
Looking to learn more about addiction, depression, and how they are interconnected?
The Bedford HOSA club is a student-run not for profit health occupations club and our goal is to promote awareness of health concerns and help out with the well-being of our community. We are offering you the opportunity to join us alongside Dr. Damon Tweedy, author of NYT Best Selling Black Man In A White Coat, and Dr. Whyte, the Chief Medical Officer at WebMD, in a live webinar discussing addiction and depression.
Join us on Wednesday September 29th at 5:00 PM and have all your questions answered!
Scan the QR code above and click the link in our bio to join 🔗
Follow us on Instagram @bedford_hosa for fun, interactive post, and event updates 💬 You can also check out our podcast, Piece of Mind.
For more information please click here
Activities Fair
The activities fair will be happening on Thursday, September 30th, during flex block. (Rain date will be Tuesday, October 5th). It will be held outdoors on the tennis courts. The Activities Fair is an opportunity for students to explore various clubs at BHS and for clubs gain new members and share what they are all about!
Students, please read your email; faculty advisors continue to send out emails with information about various clubs and activities. There are so many opportunities to get involved at BHS! We will share a list of activities in an upcoming memo with contact information. In the interim, read your emails and attend meetings for clubs that are of interest to you. All are welcome!
A Healthier Approach to College Admissions
October 5th, 2021
7:00pm – 8:15pm
The college admissions process can be a source of stress and anxiety for students and parents alike. This research-based workshop addresses many of the important questions we hear from families. What do college rankings really measure? Are students who attend more selective colleges better off later in life? What is “fit” and why does it matter? Participants will learn practical strategies to help reduce unnecessary pressure around the college admissions process and ways to support their student’s overall well-being and readiness for life in college and beyond.
Free Well Balanced Student Workshop
OCTOBER 14th | 4PM PT
For the entire parent and faculty community
Join fellow Partner Schools and your school community at this free Well-Balanced Student workshop. Click this link to learn more about the presentation and to register. The webinar will last 75 minutes, ending with time for Q&A.
AMC 10/12 Math Exams
The AMC 10/12 B math exam will be given after school on Tuesday, November 16th. If you’d like to take the test I need to order you a test booklet. More information about the exam can be found at https://www.maa.org/math-competitions/amc-1012. Please sign up using this form by Friday, October 8th.
If you have any questions, please email patrick_morrissey@bedfordps.org.
Thank you.
Daily Screening Checklist for Students and Staff
Prior to sending your child to school each day, each student and staff member must self-screen.
COVID- 19 Symptoms list:
❏ Fever (100.0 degrees Fahrenheit or higher ), chills, or shaking chills
❏ Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
❏ New loss of taste or smell
❏ Muscle aches or body aches
❏ Cough (not due to other known cause, such as chronic cough)
❏ sore throat, when in combination with other symptoms
❏ Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea when in combination with other symptoms
❏ Headache when in combination with other symptoms
❏ Fatigue, when in combination with other symptoms
❏ Nasal congestion or runny nose (not due to other known causes such as allergies)
when in combination with other symptoms
Close Contact
❏ You have been asked to self-isolate or quarantine by a medical professional or a local
public health official.
If you check YES to any of these statements, please do not send your child to school
and contact your school nurse.
● A list of testing sites is available here
● 3 Steps to Take While Waiting for Covid Results
REFERENCES:
DESE Information and Resources COVID-19
When calling the absence line please state if your student is ill or not ill. You will get a call from the nurse if you do not state a reason. Please notify the nurse if anyone in your household tests positive for Covid-19
Absence Line: (781)918-4561
or select #1 from the main menu of (781)275-1700
Nancy Thorsen, BSN, RN
HOSA Advisor
Nurse Office: 781-918-4416
Nurse Office Fax: 781-687-6141
AP testing, payment and registration Information
Welcome to the beginning of the 2022 AP Exam year.
For students placed in AP classes during the school day:
If you have not already, you will be registering for your AP exam with your teacher either during class time or for homework. Please note the exam code you are given from your teacher is unique to your class only and should not be shared with other students.
For students Self Study AP exams:
If you are not physically scheduled into an AP class but are planning to self study for an exam, the first part of your registration process includes filling out this form:
AP Registration - Self Study ONLY
You will receive your registration exam code within one week of filling out the form above. If you are a Self Study Student and do not fill out this form, you will NOT receive an exam code.
***It is important to note that nothing replaces learning within the classroom. If you choose to self study for an exam, know this is an undertaking that should be considered carefully before registering. Please speak with your parents/caregivers and your counselor before taking this on.
- The deadline for exam registration is October 22nd, 2021.
- Information regarding the payment process will be announced soon. Reach out to me directly if you qualify for a fee reduction or waiver when payment becomes available.
- Late fees are back! Unlike the previous two years, late registration and test cancellation fees have been reinstated by the College Board. If you register late or choose to cancel your AP Exam, there will be a charge of $40.
Please reach out to me directly should you have any additional questions or concerns. Enjoy your day!
Ms. Thyne
AP Test Coordinator
Bus Transportation
Updated bus locations at the end of school: The busses line up, starting at the flagpole across from the softball field and looping all the way around the front of the high school to the front door of the main office.
The pick up order begins with the METCO bus, #33, then the base buses, #21, #23 and #24, respectively, and finally the local Bedford buses, #1-16.
Many health and safety measures will remain in place on school buses. As has been and is currently the case with all types of public transportation, masks will continue to be required on school buses for students and drivers. This is by federal public health order, and is specified in DESE’s guidance, released July 30, 2021. The district also will continue the practice of maximum ventilation and fresh air, and will continue to operate buses with windows partially open. Bus riding at BHS will return to open seating due to vaccination access for this age group.
Late busses run on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday and pick up at the front of the school by the Cafeteria doors. Late busses depart at 4:05pm.
Boston METCO Families can register through the METCO office.
BHS families can find all bus routes and stops posted online.
Digital Camera (DSLR) donations for the Art Department
Would you like to give your old DSLR camera a new home? The Visual Arts department is seeking any gently used DSLR cameras for students to sign out and use to practice with at home. If you have a DSLR that you'd like to donate, please include the battery and battery charger. All donations can be dropped off at the BHS main office with a note "attn: Sean Hagan/Art Department".
BHSPA Fall Appeal
The BHSPA Fall Appeal is our biggest fundraiser of the year! Donations are accepted all year, using our online DONATION LINK at BHSPA.ORG. A suggested donation of $25 per family is requested, although any amount is appreciated. If you prefer not to donate online, checks (or cash), made payable to BHSPA with FALL APPEAL in the comments can be dropped off at the BHS Front Office. THANK YOU!
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE BHSPA!
Senior Dates and Deadlines
October 8th- Senior Class Photo
The senior class photo will be taken on the football field. The picture will take place during flex block that day. (10:22-11:32) It will not take the whole time. Seniors please listen for the announcement on that day. Let Mrs Santos know if you have any questions.
October 8th- Individual baby pictures/Elementary photos. Please make sure when you upload your baby picture to include your name, first and last. If there is no name you run the risk of not being in the yearbook. Send to: www.hjeshare.com
Enter the code: Bedford(capital letter “B”)
October 8th- “Senior Thanks” (limit of 175 words) Please note: Text slang and most abbreviations are not acceptable. Drug or alcohol references are not acceptable. Send your “senior thanks” in a word document to: bhs2022yearbook@gmail.com
October 22nd- Senior Portraits-Please contact Mark Lawrence Photography @603-882-0116 to make your appointment.
December 10th- Business Ads- Anyone with 2 business ads gets a free yearbook.
December 10th- Parent Ads. The 2021-2022 forms will be sent to the parents.
January 21- Yearbook orders. The cost is $85.00. You may place your order here
Please make checks out to BHS 2021/2022 yearbook.
After January 21 the cost will be $100.00
Important Information for the Class of 2022
Please help us to have a successful yearbook by getting an early start.
Send all pictures that you would like to be considered for the yearbook to www.hjeshare.com. Enter the school code: Bedford (capital B). Please identify who the students are in the pictures. Please use full names not nicknames when you submit your baby picture. Please only submit one baby picture. If you do not identify your baby picture you run the risk of not being in the yearbook.
The official photographer for the senior portraits is Mark Lawrence Photographers. Their phone number is 603-882-0116. Please contact them for an appointment. If you have any questions in regards to any of the information. Please contact Mrs. Santos. Her email is karen_santos@bedfordps.org
If you decide to take your own pictures. Please be aware of the size. It must be 2.5 X 3 with a DPI of 300. Yearbook staff will contact you if your picture does not follow these guidelines.
If you have any questions in regards to any of the information. Please contact Mrs. Santos. at karen_santos@bedfordps.org
Graduation is scheduled for Thursday, June 2, 2022 at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell at 6:15pm. There are no tickets for the event as there is ample seating for all friends and family members. Mark your calendars. It will be here sooner than you think!
Athletics
INFORMATION OPT OUT
If you wish to have your student’s name, address, and/or telephone number withheld from the media, social media or military recruitment, please send a letter to Principal Galante stating your request by October 29, 2021.
Lunch
How do I...
Get dismissed? Please bring a note to the main office in the morning. (or call 781-275-1700) Students will be given a dismissal pass to show the teacher and head right out of class at the dismissal time. This helps us to reduce the number of class disruptions.
Get a locker? Your Advisor will supply you with a lock. You will select a locker, then your Advisor will record your locker number and combination just in case you forget it. It happens!
Get my Aspen ID? If you need your ID or are having trouble logging in please contact tech_support@bedfordps.org
Find my lost items? The lost and found bin can be found in the student office.
Pick up a dropped off item? Please stop by the student office and look for the student drop off area sign. (Parents/Guardians, please label item your dropping with name) Please note; we do not interrupt classes for drop offs. Please stop by between classes to check for your item.
Find out more about grading and courses? You may find this and many other helpful pieces of information in your Program of Studies found here
Know who to contact for help? (please see page 6)
Get a parking sticker? You will not need a sticker until the end of September. Please fill out the Google Form here and your Assistant Principal will deliver it to your lunch or Advisory. There is no fee for parking at Bedford High School.
BEDFORD SEPAC (Special Education Parental Advisory Council)
All parents & guardians of Bedford special education welcome!
Web: bedfordsepac.com
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BEDFORDMASEPAC/
Workshop: Basic Rights Training: Evaluations and Eligibility
Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at 7 - 9 PM on zoom
Introduction to special ed laws and procedures
How to make a referral for special education evaluation, process, eligibility, rights, disputes
Registration link: https://fcsn-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvdu-sqjwqHtaR5RQS36SSDMrSkyJ7ggy8
Workshop: Bullying - what parents need to know
Monday, November 8, 2021, at 7 - 9 PM on zoom
What is bullying? Strategies and tools? IEP? School's obligation to address and prevent bullying?
Registration link: https://fcsn-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqcemvqDMrHtIOuwuwx_z_Td0s6-Ovl_5G
Free ADult ESL Classes
Dates: 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/23, 12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 12/22
Free tuition
Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Classes
Location: Bedford High School
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
*Register online by sending an email to Carrie Powers, EL Director
Click here for more information!
Looking for a great community service opportunity?
The Bedford Food Pantry is looking for volunteers
You can sign up using the following link:
Questions? Please stop by the Athletic Office or reach out Annie Bernstein at annie_bernstein-2022@bedfordps.org
Bedford High School
Bedford High School Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 7:45am - 2:24pm
Wednesday 7:45 am - 12:55 pm
9 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA 01730
Phone: 781-275-1700
Absence Line: 781-918-4561
Fax: 781-275-6664